RICHMOND — While legal fireworks and sparklers are a popular part of July 4 celebrations, the Virginia Department of Forestry warns in most areas of Virginia they could also become a cause for wildfires.

“One spark is all it would take for a wildfire to start,” said Fred Turck, assistant director for wildfire prevention and education with VDOF. “Fireworks that have finished burning are still extremely hot, and they can smolder in dry grass or leaves before a fire ignites.”

Turck recommends keeping a bucket of water, wet towel and a fully charged garden hose handy when setting off fireworks. The agency also cautions that children and pets should be kept a safe distance from igniting and spent fireworks.

Virginia forestry officials indicate it’s not just pyrotechnic shows set off by cities and towns that pose a threat. Personal use of fireworks, cookouts and bonfires that are popular during the Independence Day period could also start fires that would spread rapidly in dry conditions.

VDOF recommends the following safety tips:

• Buy from reliable fireworks sellers, and use only those that are legal for use in Virginia and in your locality.